Phagwah is a unifying, inclusive festival- Dharmic Sabha   

President of the Hindu Dharmic Sabha Dr Vindyha Persaud has said that Phagwah is embraced by Guyanese and is a unifying and inclusive festival that encourages people of all walks of life to participate and celebrate in togetherness.

“Over the years, in our beautiful land of Guyana, people of all walks of life, ethnicity and faith have engaged in playing Phagwah, and the world has admired our togetherness. Let that spirit always prevail in our country to forge national fraternity cutting across every divide to remind us that our destinies are intertwined and that our common goal is the good of our country,” Dr Persaud  in her Phagwah day message.

Full text of message:

As the world celebrates Phagwah, I extend fraternal and joyous greetings to all of Guyana on this lovely occasion. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha reminds all of the powerful and unifying messages enshrined in this ancient and lovely festival on the Hindu calenda which resonate with all people; the triumph of good over evil and removal of all negativities and vices, equality and brotherhood, the promotion of love and unity.

The word “Phagwah” is derived from the Hindu month, Phalgun. Its synonym Holi comes from the Sanskrit word “hola’ meaning grains, reminding us of the festival’s linkage to agriculture and a bountiful harvest. It also heralds the advent of Spring and the Hindu New Year.

Phagwah or Holi is the festival that reminds us emphatically of the love we should share with all. Smearing colors representing the blooms of Spring on each other effectively erases differences and epitomizes the message that the world is one family. The very act of smearing each other with these vivid colours effectually removes barriers and differences and sends visible signs that hatred and enmity must never win over love and unity.

Phagwah is embraced by Guyanese and is a unifying and inclusive festival that encourages people of all walks of life to participate and celebrate in togetherness. Over the years, in our beautiful land of Guyana, people of all walks of life, ethnicity and faith have engaged in playing Phagwah, and the world has admired our togetherness. Let that spirit always prevail in our country to forge national fraternity cutting across every divide to remind us that our destinies are intertwined and that our common goal is the good of our country.

Spiritually, Phagwah advocates implicit faith in God and urges the aspirant to embody divine and positive qualities which will bring them closer to God. The festival also espouses optimism and a strong sense of confidence in Bhagwan Krishna to alleviate all adversity in our lives.

I urge the Hindu community to attend their mandirs for satsangh and the burning of Holika, and to have deep and unflinching faith in Bhagwan as Prince Prahalad did. Holika Dahan epitomizes the triumph of good over evil within and without. It reminds us all to stand strong against adharma (unrighteousness) and embrace the power of prayers. As Prahalad did, let us always fight against injustice and unrighteousness so that all people can prosper in love, peace and unity. Every mandir must ensure that their Holika Dahan satsangh reverberates with prayers and chants and that upon the burning of Holika that the melodies of spring reverberate in the air. Chowtaal, ulaara, jati and dhamar will remind us of the advent of spring.

You are invited to join the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha at the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbelville for Holika Dahan satsangh and burning of Holika at 6:30pm on Saturday, March 27th.

On Phagwah Day, attend your various mandirs for special Phagwah or Holi satsanhg, pray, sing and color each other affectionately with abrack and abeer spreading love and hope. Join the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Phagwah morning at the Rama Krishna Dharmic Mandir, Barr Street, Kitty for special Holi Satsangh. As you observe Phagwah under the COVID-19 pandemic environment, I encourage you to celebrate safely and in adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Holi ke Shubh Kaamnaye to all!